Portable deck including transportation and stow-away features

ABSTRACT

A portable deck assembly is disclosed. The portable deck assembly comprises a top platform, a bottom platform, and a plurality of weight-shaped sections. The plurality of weight-shaped sections comprises a series of planks which comprise the top platform of the portable deck assembly. The weight-shaped sections are positioned on top of the bottom platform of the portable deck assembly. The portable deck assembly also comprises at least two hinges, wherein the hinges are attached to an underside of the bottom platform of the portable deck assembly and wherein the hinges are configured to permit folding of the portable deck assembly.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e)to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/621,753, titledPORTABLE DECK INCLUDING TRANSPORTATION AND STOW-AWAY FEATURES, filedJan. 25, 2018, the disclosure of which is herein incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF TECHNOLOGY

This disclosure is directed generally to a portable deck assembly andmore specifically, to a portable deck assembly having transportation andstow-away features.

BACKGROUND

Often times, while camping or otherwise spending time in remotelocations, activities are limited due to the nature of the landscape.For example, assembling a tent can become difficult when the ground iswet, rocky, or otherwise uneven. Similarly, sand on the beach sometimesmakes the use of beach chairs or towels undesirable or uncomfortable.There is a need for a portable device that provides a barrier betweennatural elements while still allowing for easy transport and assembly.This type of portable device would allow for easy use while camping,tailgating, visiting the beach, spending time in a backyard, or anyother location wherein such a portable device would be useful.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a portable deck assemblyequipped with various features that allow for easy transportation,storage, and use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various features of the embodiments described herein, together withadvantages thereof, may be understood in accordance with the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings asfollows:

FIG. 1 depicts a top view of a portable deck, according to one aspect ofthis disclosure.

FIG. 2 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 1 includingadditional features, according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 3 depicts a front view of the portable deck of FIG. 2, according toone aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 4 depicts a top view of the portable deck of FIG. 2, according toone aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 5 depicts a bottom view of the portable deck of FIG. 2, accordingto one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 6 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 1 taken alongsection 6-6, according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 7 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a portable deck,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 8 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 7 includingadditional features, according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 9 depicts a front view of the portable deck of FIG. 8, according toone aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 10 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 8,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 11 depicts a bottom view of the portable deck of FIG. 8, accordingto one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 12 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 7 takenalong section line 12-12, according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 13 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a portable deck,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 14 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 13including additional features, according to one aspect of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 15 depicts a front view of the portable deck of FIG. 14, accordingto one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 16 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 14,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 17 depicts a bottom view of the portable deck of FIG. 14, accordingto one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 18 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 13 takenalong section 18-18, according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 19 depicts a partially-folded view of the portable deck of FIG. 14,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 20 depicts a fully-folded view of the portable deck of FIG. 14,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 21 depicts an enlarged view of one type of wheel used in accordancewith any embodiment of the portable decks disclosed herein.

FIG. 22 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a portable deck,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 23 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 22including additional features, according to one aspect of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 24 depicts a front view of the portable deck of FIG. 23, accordingto one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 25 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 23,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 26 depicts a bottom view of the portable deck of FIG. 23, accordingto one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 27 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 22 takenalong section line 12-12, according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 28 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a portable deck,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 29 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 28including additional features, according to one aspect of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 30 depicts a front view of the portable deck of FIG. 29, accordingto one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 31 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 29,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 32 depicts a bottom view of the portable deck of FIG. 29, accordingto one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 33 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 28,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 34 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a portable deck,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 35 depicts another top view of the portable deck of FIG. 34including additional features, according to one aspect of thisdisclosure.

FIG. 36 depicts a front view of the portable deck of FIG. 35, accordingto one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 37 depicts a top view of another embodiment of a portable deck,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 38 depicts a bottom view of the portable deck of FIG. 37, accordingto one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 39 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 37,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 40 depicts a partially-folded view of the portable deck of FIG. 37,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 41 depicts a fully-folded view of the portable deck of FIG. 37,according to one aspect of this disclosure.

FIG. 42 depicts an enlarged view of one type of wheel used in accordancewith any embodiment of the portable decks disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings, which are herein included as a portion of thepresent disclosure. In the drawings, similar symbols and referencecharacters typically identify similar components throughout the severalviews, unless context dictates otherwise. The illustrative aspectsdescribed in the detailed description, drawings, and claims are notmeant to be limiting. Other aspects may be utilized, and other changesmay be made, without departing from the scope of the subject matterpresented in the present disclosure.

Various aspects of the present disclosure relate to portable deckassemblies which allow for easy transportation and assembly during usein remote locations. The portable deck assemblies can provide a solid,stable, and uniform surface while still providing for easy transport andassembly in remote locations. Not only do the features of the portabledeck assemblies allow for easy transport, but such features also allowfor easy storage when the portable deck assembly is not in use.

In at least one aspect, the portable deck assembly comprises a roundedconfiguration. The rounded portable deck assembly comprises at leasteight sections arranged in a radial pattern. The outer portion of eachsection includes a curved panel which defines the rounded circumferencecomprising the outer edge of the portable deck assembly. Each sectioncan comprise at least two underside supports configured to support aplurality of planks. The plurality of planks can be assembled togetherto comprise individual sections such as the at least eight sectionsdiscussed above. The planks can decrease in size as they move toward thecenter of the portable deck assembly. In other aspects, the portabledeck assembly can comprise a square or rectangular shape. In additionalaspects, the portable deck assembly can comprise a variety of suitableshapes and sizes, which can be tailored to a specific use.

In at least one aspect, the portable deck assembly can comprise adiameter of approximately nine feet. However, each portable deckassembly disclosed herein is not limited to this particular size.Embodiments comprising smaller or larger diameters are alsocontemplated. For example, a portable deck assembly comprising aslightly smaller diameter can correspond to use by one individual. Asanother example, a portable deck assembly comprising a slightly largerdiameter can correspond to use by several individuals at once.Embodiments including multi-level deck assemblies are also contemplated.For example, a smaller deck assembly can be attached to a larger deckassembly supported on an elevated platform. A series of steps can beincluded in this embodiment to allow for a user to travel from one deckto another. Such an embodiment can provide for use on multilevel terrainor for aesthetic purposes.

In at least one aspect, embodiments of the present disclosure can alsocomprise weather and heat resistant materials. For example, the portabledeck assembly can be constructed from pressure-treated wood which is acommon material for permanent decks constructed for homes. Inparticular, the most suitable variations of pressure-treated woodinclude southern yellow pine. Other suitable variations include naturalwoods, such as redwood and cedar. Any other wood variations, such astropical hardwoods, are also contemplated for use in the construction ofthe portable deck assemblies disclosed herein. In at least anotheraspect, the portable deck assembly can be constructed from a compositematerial including a blend of recycled plastics and wood fibers. Inother aspects the portable deck assembly can be constructed from anysuitable melt-processed plastic such as PVC or polystyrene. Othersuitable materials include aluminum decking materials which are knownfor their heat-dissipation properties. The portable deck assembly can beconstructed from any other materials which constructed for use outdoors.

In at least certain aspects, the portable deck assemblies disclosedherein can be equipped with various features that would benefit a userin remote areas. For example, each deck assembly can be equipped with anattachable lock box to store valuables while camping or visiting thebeach. Other features envisioned are solar-powered charger ports forcharging cell phones and other electronic devices while in remotelocations. Additional features include towel racks that can be foldedinto the edges of the portable deck assembly.

Turning now to FIG. 1, a portable deck assembly 200 comprises at leasteight weight-shaped sections 210, 212, 214, 216, 218, 220, 222, and 224arranged in a radial pattern. Each of the weight-shaped sections 210-224comprises a plurality of individual structural elements such as planks230 a-230 g and 232 a-232 g, which define a rectangular cross-section orthe like therein. The planks 230 a-230 g and 232 a-232 g are connectedby fasteners which include any suitable variation of nails, screws,adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof. Theouter portion of each weight-shaped section 210-224 includes a curvedpanel 211, 213, 215, 217, 219, 221, 223, and 225 respectively whichdefines the rounded circumference comprising the outer edge 229 of theportable deck assembly 200. Each weight-shaped section 210-224 comprisesat least two underside supports 204 configured to support the pluralityof planks 230 a-230 g and 232 a-232 g. The portable deck assemblyincludes a variety of features to provide for ease of transportation andstorage, such as rotatable fasteners comprising at least hinges, movableand rotatable joints, as well as wheels as described herein. Theportable deck assembly 200 can be configured to fold in half alongsection line 6-6, as illustrated in FIG. 1. As will be discussed inrelation to other embodiments, the portable deck assembly 200 defines anaperture illustrated by way of example as a circular cut out section208. The circular cut out section 208 is configured for use with anumbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under theportable deck assembly 200, and the umbrella rod can extend up andthrough the portable deck assembly 200.

The portable deck assembly depicted in FIG. 1 is further illustrated inFIGS. 2-5. The portable deck assembly 200 comprises a set of wheels 202.In at least this embodiment, the wheels are non-treaded. In otherembodiments, the wheels 202 can be treaded in order to provide tractionon uneven surfaces. The portable deck assembly 200 comprises a supportstructure 204 which connects the wheels 202 to the portable deckassembly 200. The support structure 204 is connected to the portabledeck assembly 200 by a series of connector portions 206 which extendacross the bottom surface of the portable deck assembly 200. Theportable deck assembly further comprises a circular cut out section 208at the center of the deck assembly. As discussed above, the circular cutout section 208 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (notshown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 200,and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deckassembly 200.

FIG. 6 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 1 taken alongsection 6-6, according to one aspect of this disclosure. As shown inFIG. 6, the portable deck assembly 200 comprises an upper layer 240 aand a lower layer 240 b and the circular cutout section 208 is definedin both the upper layer 240 a and the lower layer 240 b. The upper layer240 a comprises the plurality of planks 230 a-230 g and 232 a-232 g. Thelower layer 240 b may be formed of a single panel or multiple panelssuch as 250 and 252. The panels such as 250 and 252 may be of variousmaterials such as the weather and heat resistant materials describedabove, for example. The top layer 240 a and the bottom layer 240 b areattached using any suitable fastener such as any suitable variation ofnails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or anycombinations thereof, for example.

Turning now to FIG. 7, a portable deck assembly 400 comprises at leasteight weight-shaped sections 410, 412, 414, 416, 418, 420, 422, and 424arranged in a radial pattern. Each of the weight-shaped sections 410-424comprises a plurality of individual structural elements such as planks430 a-430 g and 432 a-432 g, which define a rectangular cross-section orthe like therein. The planks 430 a-430 g and 432 a-432 g are connectedby fasteners which include any suitable variation of nails, screws,adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof. Theouter portion of each weight-shaped section 410-424 includes a curvedpanel 411, 413, 415, 417, 419, 421, 423, and 425 respectively whichdefines the rounded circumference comprising the outer edge 429 of theportable deck assembly 400. Each weight-shaped section 410-424 comprisesat least two underside supports 404 configured to support the pluralityof planks 430 a-430 g and 432 a-432 g. The portable deck assemblyincludes a variety of features to provide for ease of transportation andstorage, such as rotatable fasteners comprising at least hinges, movableand rotatable joints, as well as wheels as described herein. Theportable deck assembly 400 can be configured to fold in half alongsection line 12-12, as illustrated in FIG. 7. As will be discussed inrelation to other embodiments, the portable deck assembly 400 defines anaperture illustrated by way of example as a circular cut out section408. The circular cut out section 408 is configured for use with anumbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under theportable deck assembly 400, and the umbrella rod can extend up andthrough the portable deck assembly 400.

A portable deck assembly similar to that depicted in FIG. 7 isillustrated in FIGS. 8-12. The portable deck assembly 400 comprises aset of wheels 402. In at least this embodiment, the wheels 402 aretreaded. In other embodiments, the wheels 402 can be non-treaded whenless traction is desired due to the nature of the terrain. The portabledeck assembly 400 comprises a support structure 404 which connects thewheels 402 to the portable deck assembly 400. The support structure 404is connected to the portable deck assembly 400 by a series of connectorportions 406 which extend across the bottom surface of the portable deckassembly 400. The portable deck assembly further comprises a circularcut out section 408 at the center of the portable deck assembly. Similarto cut out section 208 above, the circular cut out section 408 isconfigured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrellabase can sit under the portable deck assembly 400, and the umbrella rodcan extend up and through the portable deck assembly 400.

FIG. 12 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 7 takenalong section 12-12, according to one aspect of this disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 12, the portable deck assembly 400 comprises an upperlayer 440 a and a lower layer 440 b and the circular cutout section 408is defined in both the upper layer 440 a and the lower layer 440 b. Theupper layer 440 a comprises the plurality of planks 430 a-430 g and 432a-432 g. The lower layer 440 b may be formed of a single panel ormultiple panels such as 450 and 452. The panels such as 450 and 452 maybe comprised of various materials such as the weather and heat resistantmaterials described above, for example. The top layer 440 a and thebottom layer 440 b are attached using any suitable fastener such as anysuitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips,clamps, or any combinations thereof, for example.

Turning now to FIG. 13, a portable deck assembly 600 comprises at leasteight weight-shaped sections 610, 612, 614, 616, 618, 620, 622, and 624arranged in a radial pattern. Each of the weight-shaped sections 610-624comprises a plurality of individual structural elements such as planks630 a-630 g and 632 a-632 g, which define a rectangular cross-section orthe like therein. The planks 630 a-630 g and 632 a-632 g are connectedby fasteners which include any suitable variation of nails, screws,adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof. Theouter portion of each weight-shaped section 610-624 includes a curvedpanel 611, 613, 615, 617, 619, 621, 623, and 625 respectively whichdefines the rounded circumference comprising the outer edge 629 of theportable deck assembly 600. Each weight-shaped section 610-624 comprisesat least two underside supports 604 configured to support the pluralityof planks 630 a-630 g and 632 a-632 g. The portable deck assemblyincludes a variety of features to provide for ease of transportation andstorage, such as rotatable fasteners comprising at least hinges, movableand rotatable joints, as well as wheels as described herein. Theportable deck assembly 600 can be configured to fold in half alongsection line 18-18, as illustrated in FIG. 13. As will be discussed inrelation to other embodiments, the portable deck assembly 600 defines anaperture illustrated by way of example as a circular cut out section608. The circular cut out section 608 is configured for use with anumbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can sit under theportable deck assembly 600, and the umbrella rod can extend up andthrough the portable deck assembly 600.

A portable deck assembly similar to that depicted in FIG. 13 isillustrated in FIGS. 14-16. The portable deck assembly 600 comprises aset of wheels 602. In at least this embodiment, the wheels 602 aretreaded. In other embodiments, the wheels 602 can be non-treaded whenless traction is desired due to the nature of the terrain. The portabledeck assembly 600 comprises a support structure 604 which connects thewheels 602 to the portable deck assembly 600. The support structure 604is connected to the portable deck assembly 600 by a series of connectorportions 606 which extend across the bottom surface of the portable deckassembly 600. The portable deck assembly further comprises a circularcut out section 608 at the center of the portable deck assembly. Similarto those discussed above, the circular cut out section 608 is configuredfor use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). The umbrella base can situnder the portable deck assembly 600, and the umbrella rod can extend upand through the portable deck assembly 600.

Turning now to FIGS. 17 and 18, in addition to the features discussedabove, the portable deck assembly 600 can comprise a pair of hinges 628.In other aspects, the portable deck assembly 600 can comprise additionalsizes and/or numbers of the hinges 628. The portable deck assembly isshown in an open configuration in FIG. 17 wherein the hinges 628 arelaying flat along the backside of the portable deck assembly 600. Thehinges 628 can comprise any material suitable for use outdoors. FIG. 18depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 13 taken alongsection 18-18, according to one aspect of this disclosure. As shown inFIG. 18, the portable deck assembly 600 comprises an upper layer 640 aand a lower layer 640 b and the circular cutout section 608 is definedin both the upper layer 640 a and the lower layer 640 b. The upper layer640 a comprises the plurality of planks 630 a-630 g and 632 a-632 g. Thelower layer 640 b may be formed of a single panel or multiple panelssuch as 650 and 652. The panels such as 650 and 652 may be made ofvarious materials such as the weather and heat resistant materialsdescribed above, for example. The top layer 640 a and the bottom layer640 b are attached using any suitable fastener such as any suitablevariation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, orany combinations thereof, for example.

Turning now to FIG. 19, the portable deck assembly 600 is shown in apartially folded configuration. The portable deck assembly 600 isconfigured to fold in half in order to allow for easy storage. Theportable deck assembly 600 is shown in a fully folded configuration inFIG. 20. FIG. 21 depicts just one example of a wheel 800 which iscompatible with the portable deck assemblies described herein. As seenin FIG. 21, the wheel 800 can comprise a plurality of treads 803 toincrease traction on a variety of surfaces. Other embodiments ofportable deck assemblies comprise wheels without treads.

Turning now to FIG. 22, a portable deck assembly 1000 comprises arectangular or square shape. The portable deck assembly 1000 comprises aplurality of individual structural elements such as planks 1030 a-1030 hand 1032 a-1032 h, which define a rectangular cross-section or the liketherein. The planks 1030 a-1030 h and 1032 a-1032 h are connected byfasteners which include any suitable variation of nails, screws,adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof. Theportable deck assembly 1000 comprises at least two underside supports1004 configured to support the plurality of planks 1030 a-1030 h and1032 a-1032 h. The portable deck assembly includes a variety of featuresto provide for ease of transportation and storage, such as rotatablefasteners comprising at least hinges, movable and rotatable joints, aswell as wheels as described herein. The portable deck assembly 1000 canbe configured to fold in half along section line 6-6, as illustrated inFIG. 22. As will be discussed in relation to other embodiments, theportable deck assembly 1000 defines an aperture illustrated by way ofexample as a circular cut out section 1008. The circular cut out section1008 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). Theumbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 1000, and theumbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 1000.

The portable deck assembly depicted in FIG. 22 is further illustrated inFIGS. 23-27. The portable deck assembly 1000 comprises a set of wheels1002. In at least this embodiment, the wheels are non-treaded. In otherembodiments, the wheels 1002 can be treaded in order to provide tractionon uneven surfaces. The portable deck assembly 1000 comprises a supportstructure 1004 which connects the wheels 1002 to the portable deckassembly 1000. The support structure 1004 is connected to the portabledeck assembly 1000 by a series of connector portions 1006 which extendacross the bottom surface of the portable deck assembly 1000. Theportable deck assembly further comprises a circular cut out section 1008at the center of the deck assembly. As discussed above, the circular cutout section 1008 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (notshown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 1000,and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deckassembly 1000.

FIG. 27 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 22 takenalong section 6-6, according to one aspect of this disclosure. As shownin FIG. 27, the portable deck assembly 1000 comprises an upper layer1040 a and a lower layer 1040 b and the circular cutout section 1008 isdefined in both the upper layer 1040 a and the lower layer 1040 b. Theupper layer 1040 a comprises the plurality of planks 1030 a-1030 h and1032 a-1032 h. The lower layer 1040 b may be formed of a single panel ormultiple panels such as 1050 and 1052. The panels such as 1050 and 1052may be of various materials such as the weather and heat resistantmaterials described above, for example. The top layer 1040 a and thebottom layer 1040 b are attached using any suitable fastener such as anysuitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips,clamps, or any combinations thereof, for example.

Turning now to FIG. 28, a portable deck assembly 1200 comprises arectangular or square shape. The portable deck assembly 1200 comprises aplurality of individual structural elements such as planks 1230 a-1230 hand 1232 a-1232 h, which define a rectangular cross-section or the liketherein. The planks 1230 a-1230 h and 1232 a-1232 h are connected byfasteners which include any suitable variation of nails, screws,adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof. Theportable deck assembly 1200 comprises at least two underside supports1204 configured to support the plurality of planks 1230 a-1230 h and1232 a-1232 h. The portable deck assembly includes a variety of featuresto provide for ease of transportation and storage, such as rotatablefasteners comprising at least hinges, movable and rotatable joints, aswell as wheels as described herein. The portable deck assembly 1200 canbe configured to fold in half along section line 12-12, as illustratedin FIG. 28. As will be discussed in relation to other embodiments, theportable deck assembly 1200 defines an aperture illustrated by way ofexample as a circular cut out section 1208. The circular cut out section1208 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). Theumbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 1200, and theumbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 1200.

A portable deck assembly similar to that depicted in FIG. 28 isillustrated in FIGS. 29-33. The portable deck assembly 1200 comprises aset of wheels 1202. In at least this embodiment, the wheels 1202 aretreaded. In other embodiments, the wheels 1202 can be non-treaded whenless traction is desired due to the nature of the terrain. The portabledeck assembly 1200 comprises a support structure 1204 which connects thewheels 1202 to the portable deck assembly 1200. The support structure1204 is connected to the portable deck assembly 1200 by a series ofconnector portions 1206 which extend across the bottom surface of theportable deck assembly 1200. The portable deck assembly furthercomprises a circular cut out section 1208 at the center of the portabledeck assembly. Similar to cut out section 1208 above, the circular cutout section 1208 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (notshown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 1200,and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deckassembly 1200.

FIG. 33 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG. 28 takenalong section 12-12, according to one aspect of this disclosure. Asshown in FIG. 33, the portable deck assembly 1200 comprises an upperlayer 1240 a and a lower layer 1240 b and the circular cutout section1208 is defined in both the upper layer 1240 a and the lower layer 1240b. The upper layer 1240 a comprises the plurality of planks 1230 a-1230h and 1232 a-1232 h. The lower layer 1240 b may be formed of a singlepanel or multiple panels such as 1250 and 1252. The panels such as 1250and 1252 may be comprised of various materials such as the weather andheat resistant materials described above, for example. The top layer1240 a and the bottom layer 1240 b are attached using any suitablefastener such as any suitable variation of nails, screws, adhesives,nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof, for example.

Turning now to FIG. 34, a portable deck assembly 1400 comprises arectangular or square shape. The portable deck assembly 1400 comprises aplurality of individual structural elements such as planks 1430 a-1430 hand 1432 a-1432 h, which define a rectangular cross-section or the liketherein. The planks 1430 a-1430 h and 1432 a-1432 h are connected byfasteners which include any suitable variation of nails, screws,adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof. Theportable deck assembly 1400 comprises at least two underside supports1404 configured to support the plurality of planks 1430 a-1430 h and1432 a-1432 h. The portable deck assembly includes a variety of featuresto provide for ease of transportation and storage, such as rotatablefasteners comprising at least hinges, movable and rotatable joints, aswell as wheels as described herein. The portable deck assembly 1400 canbe configured to fold in half along the folding axis FA, as illustratedin FIG. 34. As will be discussed in relation to other embodiments, theportable deck assembly 1400 defines an aperture illustrated by way ofexample as a circular cut out section 1408. The circular cut out section1408 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). Theumbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 1400, and theumbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 1400.

The portable deck assembly depicted in FIG. 34 is further illustrated inFIGS. 35 and 36. The portable deck assembly 1400 comprises a set ofwheels 1402. In at least this embodiment, the wheels are non-treaded. Inother embodiments, the wheels 1402 can be treaded in order to providetraction on uneven surfaces. The portable deck assembly 1400 comprises asupport structure 1404 which connects the wheels 1402 to the portabledeck assembly 1400. The support structure 1404 is connected to theportable deck assembly 1400 by a series of connector portions 1406 whichextend across the bottom surface of the portable deck assembly 1400. Theportable deck assembly further comprises a circular cut out section 1408at the center of the deck assembly. As discussed above, the circular cutout section 1408 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (notshown). The umbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 1400,and the umbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deckassembly 1400.

Turning now to FIG. 37, a portable deck assembly 1600 comprises arectangular or square shape. The portable deck assembly 1600 comprises aplurality of individual structural elements such as planks 1630 a-1630 hand 1632 a-1632 h, which define a rectangular cross-section or the liketherein. The planks 1630 a-1630 h and 1632 a-1632 h are connected byfasteners which include any suitable variation of nails, screws,adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, or any combinations thereof. Theportable deck assembly 1600 comprises at least two underside supports1604 configured to support the plurality of planks 1630 a-1630 h and1632 a-1632 h. The portable deck assembly includes a variety of featuresto provide for ease of transportation and storage, such as rotatablefasteners comprising at least hinges, movable and rotatable joints, aswell as wheels as described herein. The portable deck assembly 1600 canbe configured to fold in half along the folding axis FA, as illustratedin FIG. 37. As will be discussed in relation to other embodiments, theportable deck assembly 1600 defines an aperture illustrated by way ofexample as a circular cut out section 1608. The circular cut out section1608 is configured for use with an umbrella assembly (not shown). Theumbrella base can sit under the portable deck assembly 1600, and theumbrella rod can extend up and through the portable deck assembly 1600.

Turning now to FIGS. 38 and 39, in addition to the features discussedabove, the portable deck assembly 1600 can comprise a pair of hinges1628. In other aspects, the portable deck assembly 1600 can compriseadditional sizes and/or numbers of the hinges 1628. The portable deckassembly is shown in an open configuration in FIG. 38 wherein the hinges1628 are laying flat along the backside of the portable deck assembly1600. The hinges 1628 can comprise any material suitable for useoutdoors. FIG. 39 depicts a section view of the portable deck of FIG.37, according to one aspect of this disclosure. As shown in FIG. 39, theportable deck assembly 1600 comprises an upper layer 1640 a and a lowerlayer 1640 b and the circular cutout section 1608 is defined in both theupper layer 1640 a and the lower layer 1640 b. The upper layer 1640 acomprises the plurality of planks 1630 a-1630 g and 1632 a-1632 g. Thelower layer 1640 b may be formed of a single panel or multiple panelssuch as 1650 and 1652. The panels such as 1650 and 1652 may be made ofvarious materials such as the weather and heat resistant materialsdescribed above, for example. The top layer 1640 a and the bottom layer1640 b are attached using any suitable fastener such as any suitablevariation of nails, screws, adhesives, nut-and-bolt, clips, clamps, orany combinations thereof, for example.

Turning now to FIG. 40, the portable deck assembly 1600 is shown in apartially folded configuration. The portable deck assembly 1600 isconfigured to fold in half in order to allow for easy storage. Theportable deck assembly 1600 is shown in a fully folded configuration inFIG. 41. FIG. 42 depicts just one example of a wheel 1800 which iscompatible with the portable deck assemblies described herein. As seenin FIG. 42, the wheel 1800 can comprise a plurality of treads 1803 toincrease traction on a variety of surfaces. Other embodiments ofportable deck assemblies comprise wheels without treads.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable deck assembly, comprising: a topplatform; a bottom platform; a plurality of weight-shaped sections,wherein the plurality of weight-shaped sections comprises a series ofplanks which comprise the top platform of the portable deck assembly andwherein the weight-shaped sections are positioned on top of the bottomplatform of the portable deck assembly; and at least two hinges, whereinthe hinges are attached to an underside of the bottom platform of theportable deck assembly and wherein the hinges are configured to permitfolding of the portable deck assembly.
 2. The portable deck assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the planks comprise a series of longitudinal planks. 3.The portable deck assembly of claim 1, wherein the planks comprise aseries of lateral planks.
 4. The portable deck assembly of claim 1,further comprising a pair of wheels, wherein the pair of wheels isconnected to the underside of the bottom platform of the portable deckassembly by at least one connector portion.
 5. The portable deckassembly of claim 1, further comprising a circular cutout in the centerof the portable deck assembly.
 6. The portable deck assembly of claim 1,wherein the weight-shaped sections are arranged in a radial pattern. 7.The portable deck assembly of claim 1, wherein the planks comprise ablend of recycled plastics and wood fibers.
 8. A portable deck assembly,comprising: a top platform; a bottom platform; a series of planks,wherein the series of planks comprises the top platform of the portabledeck assembly; at least two hinges, wherein the hinges are connected toan underside of the bottom platform of the portable deck assembly, andwherein the at least two hinges are configured to permit a foldingmotion of the portable deck assembly; and a set of wheels, wherein theset of wheels is connected to the underside of the bottom platform ofthe portable deck assembly by a plurality of attachment portions.
 9. Theportable deck assembly of claim 8, wherein the series of plankscomprises longitudinal planks.
 10. The portable deck assembly of claim8, wherein the series of planks comprises lateral planks.
 11. Theportable deck assembly of claim 8, wherein the set of wheels isconnected to the underside of the bottom platform of the portable deckassembly by at least one connector portion.
 12. The portable deckassembly of claim 8, further comprising a circular cutout in the centerof the portable deck assembly.
 13. The portable deck assembly of claim8, wherein the planks are arranged in a rectangular pattern.
 14. Aportable deck assembly, comprising: a first platform; a second platformpositioned below the first platform; a plurality of weight-shapedsections comprising the first platform, wherein the plurality ofweight-shaped sections comprises a series of planks positioned on top ofthe second platform of the portable deck assembly; and at least tworotatable joints, wherein the rotatable joints are attached to anunderside of the second platform of the portable deck assembly andwherein the rotatable joints are configured for folding the portabledeck assembly in half.
 15. The portable deck assembly of claim 14,wherein the planks are positioned longitudinally.
 16. The portable deckassembly of claim 14, wherein the planks are positioned laterally. 17.The portable deck assembly of claim 14, further comprising a set ofwheels, wherein the set of wheels is connected to the underside of thesecond platform of the portable deck assembly by at least one connectorportion.
 18. The portable deck assembly of claim 14, further comprisinga cutout at the center of the portable deck assembly.
 19. The portabledeck assembly of claim 14, wherein the planks comprise a blend ofrecycled plastics and wood fibers.
 20. The portable deck assembly ofclaim 14, further comprising a curved panel surrounding an outer edge ofthe portable deck assembly.